ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband wants to go on a fishing trip for a month up in Canada. I told him no, but he keeps pressing the matter. He works hard and hasn't taken a day off in more than two years, so part of me wants to say yes to him. However, we have two teenage daughters who are heavily involved in sports at high school, and I don't think I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the polite way to treat a housekeeper in your home? For example, if neighbors or guests come over while she is there, do I introduce her?

Also, if I am serving my guests tea and cake, is it necessary to offer her something, as well? I'm not talking about a whole meal, but when I urge my friends to try the brownies I ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am wondering if I am the only one who feels this way, though I suspect I am not. From the outside, my life looks full. I have family, friends, responsibilities and a calendar that rarely seems empty. Yet somehow, I often feel lonely right in the middle of it all.

I spend so much time taking care of other people, showing up, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I spent the morning at a close friend's home. She is in her early 80s and starting to show some mental decline and memory problems. Her children are in their 30s and still live at home. Her husband is also in his 80s.

While there, I noticed how, at every opportunity, the kids or husband would make some "innocent" remark about her ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went on a first date last weekend with the founder of a startup. We went out for dinner and got drinks afterward. I had a great time. He says he wants to keep seeing me; however, he travels a lot for work, so I won't be able to see him again until late next month. I don't know if I want to be with someone who is never around. I...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Less than 48 hours after my husband and I attended a gathering at the home of a couple from our walking group, I received a text from the hostess that read, "I hope you enjoyed the party. Should I assume it was an oversight on your part not to send a thank-you note? We believe we were gracious hosts and would appreciate ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am writing about a friendship that has weighed on my heart for quite some time. I have known this woman for more than 20 years, and in many ways, she has been a loyal and lively part of my life. We have celebrated happy occasions together, seen one another through disappointments and shared the kind of history that is not easily ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have a neurological disorder and can no longer keep up with my friends (who used to be my friends). I don't explain the problems I have and why I can't do the things I used to do unless they ask. I still drive, but I have trouble walking. I have a wonderful husband who helps me all the time. I'm lucky I can do what I do, but I am ...Read more

The main hall of the convention center had been split into several rows, with dozens of separate tables. The interviewers, career professionals from banks, non-profits, or boards, knew automatically to sit against the temporary canvas walls below a printout of a number. The students would sit across from them. The older men and women knew the ...Read more

Dear Annie: Easter arrives with beauty all its own. It comes dressed in spring light, blooming branches, pastel colors and the quiet comfort of knowing that life can begin again. For many, it is a deeply meaningful holy day. For others, it is a moment to gather with family, share a meal and welcome the fresh start that spring seems to offer us...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband is very temperamental. When something goes wrong with his meal or service at a restaurant, or when he's driving and gets upset with another driver, he angrily vents to me nonstop, repeating the same things over and over. This happens only when we're alone, not when friends or family members are present. When I ask him to ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been in conflict with my husband for years. We used to enjoy each other's company, but somewhere down the line that changed. Now I am not interested in the things he likes to watch on YouTube, which he seems to have on 24 hours a day. He couldn't care less about what I like to watch. He is retired now and barely wants to ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the proper way to refuse a gentleman's invitation for a date? The little white lie seems wrong, and does not discourage the gentleman from issuing more unwanted invitations.

Is there a way to salvage his ego, particularly when one is genuinely appreciative of courteous and courageous efforts? Friends suggest calling ...Read more

Dear Annie: My question is: Can I still keep going to my church or is it time to cut ties? This is complicated because my husband was a pastor and I appreciated him greatly as a preacher. He took early retirement, but we stayed in the same town because I had a good job and we needed my income and insurance until I could retire.

Unfortunately,...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My son is getting married next year. He and his future wife are extremely religious. My daughter (his sister) is also engaged -- to a wonderful woman. Because of my daughter's lesbian relationship, my son does not plan to invite his sister's fiancee to the wedding, saying their values don't align. (If he didn't feel obligated, he ...Read more